Speaking to reporters at the Nou Camp, visibly upset, Pique said he still wanted to represent Spain but admitted his dedication to the Catalan cause could force him out.

He said: “Well backing the referendum, you can then vote yes or no [for independence]. Or you can spoil your paper but you vote.

“During many years people could not vote here and this is a right that should be defended by all means within the law possible.

“I am Catalan and I feel Catalan and today more than ever I feel proud of the Catalan people.

“I think I can keep playing for the Spain team because I think that there are many many people throughout the country that are completely against the acts we have seen today and who believe in the democracy.

“If the Spain manager or the Spanish FA think I’m a problem then I have no problem in stepping aside and leaving the team.”